A Review of Predation Management for Wetland Birds
in North America

ERIK K. FRITZELL

School of Natural Resources, University of Missouri, 112 Stephens
Hall, Columbia, MO 65211

Predation management is the purposeful manipulation of predation rate to achieve
specific wildlife management objectives. Management techniques involve modifying
habitat (including artificial structures), indirectly and directly manipulating
predator populations or behavior, and influencing people. A history of ideas
relating to predation management in North America, emphasizing wetland bird
production, is presented. Technical and popular literature of the last century
depicts three dimensions to the topic: ecological, economic, and ethical. As
knowledge of predator-prey dynamics changed, so did attitudes of professionals
and the public. Widespread predator control to protect "beneficial" species
in the first half of the 20th century changed to a retreat from the practice
by the 1970s. Increasingly refined knowledge of wildlife ecology coupled with
increasing human demands from a limited resource base have resurrected the potential
for predation management to enhance populations of desired wildlife. The public,
however, may not yet accept some forms of predation management. Their doubts
may reflect disagreement with management goals more than specific practices.
For example, predator control to protect endangered species has seldom been
questioned, yet control for game production remains controversial. Interestingly,
the post-1930's recognition of "balance" among many predator-prey systems was
not accepted by leading scientists when considering predator-waterfowl relationships.
Observed predation rates on breeding ducks often did not conform to hypotheses
and dogma generated from other predator-prey systems. Seasonal abundance of
migratory birds in human-altered wetland landscapes may promote high vulnerability.
Greater knowledge of predator-prey relationships and refinement of predation
management practices should promote confidence for decision-making. Acceptance
by a diverse public will influence further development of predation management
practices in the future.
Return to ContentsNext Section -- Experiments Controlling Nest Predation
by Reducing the Density of Nest Predators of Gamebirds in Europe (with Special
Reference to Gray Partridge and Mallard)